He tweeted: “One more update @arielhelwani. After I was pulled from 222, I offered to amputate my leg and fight for a 115lb belt against DJ.

“It was very very close. Plans were in place. But I was told there wasn’t enough time.

After I was pulled from 222, I offered to amputate my leg and fight for a 115lb belt against DJ

Max Holloway

“Stay blessed, The DEFENDING Champ (no need TM what he can't claim).”

McGregor and Holloway's public back-and-forth has led many to believe the former will return to the featherweight division for a rematch with 'Blessed', who has gone on an 11-fight win streak since losing to Ireland’s first UFC belt holder.

McGregor's head coach, SGB Ireland's John Kavanagh, can foresee the pair throwing down again but not at 145lbs.

“But, I also would say if you asked me six months before the (Floyd) Mayweather fight if that’s going to happen I would’ve said no.

“So I’m not the one to ask or make decisions about that. That will be Conor’s choice.

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Conor McGregor and Max Holloway throw down at UFC Fight Night 26

“I find it hard to see that (happening). That’s my opinion.”

McGregor, 29, hasn't set foot inside the Octagon since claiming the lightweight title in the main event of UFC 205, a card which saw him become the promotion's first simultaneous two-weight world champion.

His first fight back in the promotion is expected to be against the winner of the upcoming lightweight bout between Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov.